Combination sliding and pivoted door



L. F. CARSON May `9, 1967 COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOOR lO SheetsSheet l Filed DeC. 17, 1965 FIG. I

L, F CARSON May 9, 1967 COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTEI) DOOR l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 17, 1965 L. F. CARSON May. 9, 1967 COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOOR lO Sheeis-Sheet 5 Filed Deo. l'/, 1965v May 9, 1967 L. F. CARSON 3,318,047

` COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOOR Filed Dec. 1v, 1965 May 9, 1957 L.. F. CARSON 3,318,047

COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOOR lO Sheetsheet 5 l.. F. CARSON COMBINAT-ION SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOOR May 9, `1967 lO Sheets-Sheet 6 `Filed DeC. 17, 1965 May 9, 1967 L. F. cARsoN COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOOR lO Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Dec. l?, 1965 May 9, 1967 L. F. CARSON 3,318,047

COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTD DOOR Filed Dec. 17, 1965 lO Sheets-Sheet 8 FIGM May 9, 1967 L F. CARSON COMBINATION SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOOR lO Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Dec. l?, 1965 L. F. CARSGN May 9, 1967 3,318,047

' COMBINATION SLIDINO AND PIVOTED DOOR 10 Sheets-$heet 10 Filed Dec. 17, 1965 FIGZO FIGZI United States Patent O COMBINATIUN SLIDING AND PIVOTED DOR Laurence F. Carson, London, Unitario, Canada, assigner to Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Filed Dee. 17, 1965, Ser. No. 514,570 Claims priority, application Canada, Jan. 16, 1964, 893,366; .lune 14, 1965, 933,190 24 Claims. (Cl. 49-149) This yapplication is a continuation-in-part of application S.N. 366,024 filed May 8, 1964, now abandoned.

This invention relates to improvements in sliding door suuctures of the power operated type and more particularly to a sliding door mounted such that the door is selectively pivotable about a vertical axis.

The present invention also concerns various types of sliding pivots for mounting doors, panels, or the like to slide along a selected path generally parallel to the ilat planar surface of the door or panel and, alternatively, selectively pivotable about an axis generally perpendicular to the path of sliding.

When power operated sliding doors lare in use in public buildings, power failure presents a serious problem. Various attempts to provide panic devices to permit manual opening of the sliding doors have not been entirely satisfactory as they tended to be expensive and inconvenient 1n use.

Sliding pivots provide means whereby a panel mounted thereby selectively for opening or closing an opening combines the advantages and characteristics peculiar to each of sliding closures and pivoted closures. A bath tub enclosure utilizing sliding doors is an example of a sliding closure and a normal pivoted door is an example of the other. There are obvious disadvantages, however, to each and in the case of a bath tub enclosure, the sliding door prevents access to the tub. Desirably, the panels which are slidable should be pivotable to provide complete access. Sliding doors in store fronts, which are often power operated in certain instances require pivotal mounting whereby they may be opened in the event of a power failure. Canadian `Patent 692,399, issued Aug. 11, 1964, discloses a sliding door having one type of panic device.

Doors which are selectively piv-otable and, alternatively, selectively slidable find many useful applications. These include bath tub enclosures, panic type doors of the general type referred to in the aforementioned patent and even patio doors in residential construction. Gates, or cabinet doors also may be mounted with sliding pivots. One difiiculty of sliding pivots is preventing a panel mounted thereby from sliding during rotation of the panel about the pivot axis. This sliding may occur at one or both of a pair of opposed guided edges of the panel and the sliding is most pronounced during transition from sliding to pivoting. Sliding during transition causes the pivot axis to tilt with respect to its normal operative relative orientation and this tilting results in the panel binding during pivotal movement. A door, for example, which is vertically mounted and slidable horizontally and selectively pivotable about a vertical axis may be rendered inoperative by even slight sliding movement of the pivots during the initial stage of pivotal movement. The slight angle of tilt of the axis results in the leading edge of the door engaging the ground or floor surface.

It is an object of this invention to provide a slidable door structure which enables the slidable door to be swung open when in the closed position or partially closed rice A further object is to provide means for guiding the upper edge of a sliding door comprising overlapping coextensive bars alternately pivotally connected at opposed ends and having the uppermost bar guided for sliding movement and the lowermost ba-r secured to the door adjacent the upper edge.

A further object is to provide a bar arrangement of the aforementioned type whereby the door may be suspended by such bars from an overhead rail.

A further object of the present invention is to minimize sliding during transition to pivotal movement of a slide pivot. f

A furthe-r object is to provide a sliding pivot with means of adjustment to vary the amount of pivotal movement required -to restrain further sliding movement of the pivot during the pivotal movement. 4

`A further object of the present invention is to provide means for adjustment to vary the amount of pivotalmovement required to restrainor prevent sliding movement of the pivot during further pivotal movement and thereby compensate for wear during use of the sliding pivot.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a horizontal sliding door pivotable about a vertical axis to an open position irrespective of the doors horizontal sliding position. p

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided articulated bars for use in mounting horizontal sliding doors to facilitate pivotal movement thereof about a vertical axis comprising three substantially co-extensive bars pivotally connected, the center one of said bars being pivotally connected at opposed ends respectively to respective ones of the two outer bars.

In a further aspect the invention consists of a horizontally slidable door including mounting means therefor whereby the door is selectively pivoted about a vertical :axis irrespective of the doors horizontal sliding position, said mounting means comprising a sliding pivot ,adjacent the lower and upper edge of the door, at least the lowermost one thereof including means to prevent sliding of the door upon selected rotation thereof about a vertical axis and an articulated assembly secure-d to said door and overlying the upper edge thereof, said assembly including a first bar pivotally secured at one end to said door adjacent a vertical edge thereof and pivotally secured at the other end to4 a second bar, said second bar being disposed at least partially within a channel to provide a guide for horizontal movement only of said second bar.

'In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sliding pivot which includes rst means comprising apair of memberssecurable respectively to apair of relatively movable further members, guide means for at least one of said members to guide such member along a selected path during sliding movement, means selectively interconnecting said members permitting relative pivotal movement thereof about an axis substanti-ally normal to said path and means to adjust said interconnecting means and thereby vary the amount of initial pivotal movement required to restrain relative sliding movement of said members during further relative pivotal movement thereof.

In a fu-rther aspect the invention provides a panel and means for mounting said panel whereby the latter is alternately slidable and pivotable respectively along a path and a pivot axis substantially normal thereto, said mounting means comprising a sliding pivot adjacent a pair of opposededges of said panel, at least one of said mounting means including an adjustment to vary the amount of initial pivotal movement of said panel required to prevent or rest-rain further sliding of said pivot during further pivotal movement of said panel. Y

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a pair of doors horizontally slidable with respect to a pair of fixed panels;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective View in partial section of a sliding door structure in accordance with the present p invention;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view partly in section of one movable door panel and fixed panel of the door structure of FIGURE 2;

1FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the door structure of FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrating the various open and cl-osed positions of the door panels;

FIGURE 5 is a vertical section taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a horizontal section taken along the line 6 6 of FIGURE 5, the door panel being swung to the open position;

FIGURE 7 is a broken sectional view of the sliding pivot taken along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of one form of a sliding pivot;

FIGURE 9 is a partial sectional, enlarged perspective view of a pair of relatively movable panel-s illustrating the mounting of the upper sliding pivot and is a detail of the encircled portion IX in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 10 is an exploded, perspective view of the leading edge of a door frame and mounting of a slidable anel; p FIGURE 11 is a section taken along the line 11-11 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the trailing edge of the movable door panel;

FIGURE 13 is a section taken along the line 13-13 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a cross sectional view along section 14-14 of 1FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 15 is a cross sectional view along section 15*15 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 16 is a horizontal section similar to FIGURE 6 but illustrating a modification whereby adjustment is provided for movement of the pinion relative to the rack;

FIGURE 17 is an exterior elevation view of the righthand bottom corner of a sliding door employing a slide pivot having an alternative means t-o adjust the door engaging portion of the pivot relative to the door;

FIGURE 18 is a vertical section along section 18-18 of FIGURE 17;

FIGURE 19 is a top plan view of a portion of the sliding pivot illustrated in FIGURES 17 and 18;

FIGURE 20 is a front elevational view of the slide pivot shown in FIGURE 19; and,

FIGURE 21 is a side elevational view of the slide pivot shown in FIGURE 19.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, a sliding door structure is shown generally at 10 in FIGURES 1 and 2. The sliding door structure 10 selectively opens and closes a portion of a door opening 13, defined by a pair of vertical jamb members 11, horizontally spaced from one another, a horizontal header 12 secured to the jamb members and interconnecting them and a sill 55.

The door opening 13 is partially closed by Ia pair of fixed panels 14 which may or may not be transparent. The remaining portion of the door opening 13 is selectively opened and closed by a pair of movable panels or doors 15 (see FIGURE 3). The movable panels 15 are mounted to slide in a plane parallel to the plane of the fixed panels 14 and thus overlap the fixed panels when in the open position, as illustrated in phantom in FIGURE 4. Each door is also mounted to pivot about a Vertical axis irrespective of its sliding portion.

The header 12 is a metal channel of substantially rectangular cross-section to which the fixed panels 14 are secured in any well known manner. A longitudinally extending slot or opening 16 in the lower face of the header 12 is adapted to receive a portion of a guide assembly A, to lbe described in detail hereinafter. The assembly A, as will be seen hereinafter, consists of a plurality of articulate bars and provides a guide for horizontally sliding the movable panels while at the same time permits pivotal movement of such panel. If desired, the movable panel may be suspended from an overhead rail through the intermediary of such assembly.

Since the two movable panels 15 illustrated are identical except for one being a mirror image of the other, and the two fixed panels 14 are also identical in construction, only one of each will be described in detail.

The panels 14 and 15 each include a pair of vertical stiles, a top rail and a bottom rail. The top rail of the movable panel 15, in the form illustrated, is modified to define part of the assembly A. It is obvious, as will appear hereinafter, that the portion shown integrally with the top rail which forms a portion of the assembly A may be a separate part detachably secured to the rail.

The sliding panel 15 comprises a top rail 20, a bottom rail 21, vertical stiles 22 and 23 respectively disposed at the leading and trailing edge and a glass sheet 24. The glass sheet 24 is held in place by conventional two-piece metal moulding strips 24 (see FIG. 5) except for under the lower surface of the top rail 20, where a portion of the moulding strip is replaced by an inverted channel member 27 (see FIGS. 3, 5 and 9). The channel 27 has the legs there-of directed downwardly and effectively provides a substantially horizontal slot forming the guide for a portion of a sliding pivot to be described in more detail hereinafter.

Co-operating with the channel 27, to retain the glass sheet at the upper edge, is a moulding strip 28 disposed on the opposite side of the glass sheet.

The top rail 20 consists of a hollow metal body, substantially rectangular in cross-section, having a flange 25 in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the metal body and spaced vertically therefrom to define a groove 26. Interconnecting the flange and the body is a web 25A. It will be noted from the various figures, particularly FIGS. 2 and 5, that the groove 26 is directed in a direction away from the fixed panel 14.

The fixed panel 14 consists of respectively top and bottom rails 14A and 14B, and a pair of vertical stiles 17 and 17A. The stile 17 adjacent the door opening, selectively openable and closeable by the movable panels, is modified to include throughout a portion of the length thereof a flange 17B. The flange 17B is directed outwardly from the plane of the panel 14 towards the plane of the panel 15 and the length and the depth is such as to avoid interference in the sliding movement of the panel 15.

Secured to the flange 17B is a pivot 18 having a portion thereof disposed Within the channel 27. The pivot 18 consists of a body member 19 secured as 'by screws 19A to the flange 17B and includes a guide follower 18B slidable within the channel 27. The pivot 17 may be one of two different types. It may be of the type illustrated in FIGURE 5 wherein the guide follower 18B is a roller, slidable within the channel without effecting any gripping action. In other words, it merely forms a guide. As will be apparent hereinafter, it is preferable that the pivot be of the type illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9 wherein the guide follower disposed within the channel, is expandable upon selected pivotal movement of the slidable panel effectively to prevent relative sliding movement between the guide follower 18B and the channel 27 during further pivoted movement of the panel.

The aforementioned assembly A (see FIGS. 5, 14 and 15) consists of the flange 2S and web 25A of the top rail 20, a first or center bar 29 pivotally secured at one end to the fiange 25 and a second or top bar 41 pivotally secured to the first bar. The bar 29 is substantially E-shape in cross-section and includes a web 29A having spaced parallel fianges 30, 31, and 32 projecting outwardly therefrom. The flanges 30, 31 and 32 define a pair of spaced parallel grooves 39 and 40. The flange 30 is adapted to r.fit into the groove 26 in the top rail 20 and one of the members 29 is pivotably secured to the top rail 20 by a pivot pin 33 disposed adjacent the trailing edge of the panel (see FIGURES 3 and 15).

The pivot pin 33 is adapted to be inserted through an aperture A in the lowermost wall of the rail Ztl and includes a cylindrical portion 34 projecting through apertures 35, 35 and 36 disposed respectively in the upper Wall of rail 20 and the anges 311 and 25. The pivot pin termina-tes in a threaded end portion 34 threadedly received in an aperture 37 in ange 31.

The second bar member 41 is slidingly guided in the header slot 16 by lhaving a portion thereof disposed within the slot. If desired, the bar 41 may be suspended from an over-head rail R (see FIG. 5) by a bracket or hanger B and roller G journalled thereto by a shaft T. The rail R is secured to the header 12 as shown or alternately it may be secured to other suitable framework. The bar 41 is substantially a mirror image in cross section of frame member 20 and includes a flange 42 extending along the lower surface thereof and spaced therefrom to dene a lgroove 43. The flange 32 of bar 29 fits into the groove 43 and the bar 29 is pivotally secured to bar 41 by pivot pin 44. The pivot pin `44 is adapted to be inserted through an aperture 41A in the upper wall of bar 41 and includes a cylindrical portion `45 inserted through an aperture in the lower wall of bar 41 into apertures 46 and 415 respectively -in the llanges 32 and 42 and further includes a threaded terminal end portion 45 threadedly received in an aperture 47 in the flange 31 of bar 29. The flange 31 is adapted to be received between the upper surface of the flange 25 and the lower surface of the flange 42.

The bar `41 which is thus secured to the movable panel 15 slides therewith and a portion thereof is received in the longitudinal slot 16 in the header 12.

At the lower edge of the door is a sliding pivot assembly 56 (see FIG. 5) which normally permits sliding movement of the panel but upon selected rotation of the latter, further sliding movement is prevented. The sliding pivot includes an inverted channel in the lower edge of sliding panel and a rack and pinion disposed thereon and secured respectively to the door and door sill. The bottom rail 21 of the sliding panel 15 includes a spaced pair of ilanges 50 and 51 depending downwardly and defining therebetween a channel 52. A rack 53 is secured to the flange 51 and disposed Within the channel with the teeth thereof directed toward the flange 51. A pinion or gear segment 58 is secured to the door sill 55 with the teeth thereof engageable with the teeth of the rack upon selected rotation of the door about a vertical axis.

The sill 55 is secured to the oor or base and extends along and is adjacent the lower rail of the xed panel 14. The pivot has the pinion portion thereof xedly secured to the sill 55 and is ideally positioned so as to have the axis thereof coincide with the vertical axis of the upper pivot 1'8. In actual practice and, as shown, the pivots have their respective axis `offset a minute amount without materially affecting pivoting of the door. The pinion is secured by a pin 58A to a cylindrical member 57. The cylindrical member is disposed within the channel 52, and has a diameter substantially equal to the width of the channel.

The gear segment or pinion 58 has teeth 59 which extend throughout approximately 5%; of its circumference and are adapted to mesh with the teeth 54 on the rack 53 upon selected rotation of the sliding panel about a vertical axis. The gear segment 58 includes a removed chordal section or a flattened peripheral portion 60 normally in face-to-face relationship with the rack when the movable panel 15 is in a horizontal sliding position i.e. a plane parallel to the plane of the xed panel 14.

As shown in FIGS, 3, l0, 11, 12 and 13, the bar 41 is provided with locking assemblies 80 and 81 respectively at the leading and trailing end of the door. The locking assemblies 30 and 81 (see FIGS. 11 and 13) each comprise a cylindrical body 82 having an enlarged head 83 at one end thereof and a threaded portion 84 between the body and head. An axial bore 85 extends into the body from the end thereof opposite to that of the enlarged head and inserted in such bore is a compression spring 87 abutting against and urging a ball 36 outwardly of the bore. The ball 86 is retained in the bore 85 by suitable means such as crimping the outer end of the body to reduce the diameter of the bore S5.

The locking assemblies 80 and 81 are each threaded into an aperture 38 in the upper wall or flange of the bar 41 and the opposite end projects into an aperture 89 in the ilange of bar 41 which forms one wall of the groove 43. As shown in FIG. l0 of the drawings, the bar 41 is undercut at `90 to receive a portion 91 of the movable door stile 22 which projects upwardly from the top rail 20. A right-angle bracket 92 tits into the open end of the projecting portion 91 and is secured thereto. The bracket 92 has an aperture 93 and is located substantially centrally with respect to the end of the stile. The locking assembly 341 described above `is so positioned that the ball 86 projects into the aperture 93 when the door is in a sliding position.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the locking assembly 81 is positioned such that the ball 86 projects into an aperture 94 in the flange 32 of the bar 29 when the bars 29 and 41 are in alignment in an internested or folded position.

The sliding panel is also provided with conventional power operating means (not shown) and includes pressure pads d1 (see FIG. 2) which control the power operating means.

In operation the sliding panels 15 slide selectively to an open and a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 4 in the usual manner. In this sliding movement the panel 15 is guided by the channel 27 co-operatinfg with the pivot assembly 18, by the bar 41 disposed partially in the slot 16 of the header 12, and by the lower sliding pivot assembly 56.

The bars 41 and 29 and the panel 15 are retained in alignment by the balls 36 of locking assemblies 8i) and 81 which seat respectively in the apertures 93 and 94. The balls 86 are urged into the apertures 93 and 94 by the springs 87 and the pressure of engagement: may be varied by suitable rotation of the threaded body portion 84.

The lower portion of the panel 15 is prevented from transverse movement by the cylindrical member 57. It will be noted that the teeth 54 of the rack 53 do not engage the gear segment during sliding movement of the panel 15 as the rack 53 is adjacent the flat side 60 of the gear segment 58.

In the event of power failure the so-called panic feature may be brought into operation by pivoting the panel 15 outwardly, as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Pivoting may be eifected by pushing on the panel and the outward pressure on the panel 15 forces the balls 86 into the body of the associated locking assemblies Sil and 31 thus permitting relative movement of the panel 15 and the associated bars 41 and 29 about the pivots at the leading and trailing end of the panel. The pivot 18 allows the panel 15 to pivot about its axis. At the same time, the lower portion of the panel 15 pivots about the axis of the cylindrical member 57 and the teeth 54 of the rack 53 engage the teeth 59 ofthe gear segment 53 thereby preventing further slidable movement of the panel 15.

The pivotal movement of the panel 15 also causes the bar 29 to pivot away from the bar 41 about the axis of pivot means 44. The pivot means 33 allows similar pivotal movement betwee-n the bar 29 and the stile 20 of the panel. With regard to this pivotal movement, it will be noted the pivots 33 and 44 are disposed a short distance inwardly from the ends of the bars. In view of this positioning it is necessary to have certain end portions of selected flanges removed from the bars of the assembly A so as to prevent jambing.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the slidable panel 15 is capable of being swung open when in either a closed or any partially closed position. Furthermore, irrespective of the sliding position of the panel, the pivot axis is disposed adjacent the fixed panel and thus the panel always swings open to give a maximum clear opening.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a pivot assembly 70' which may be used in place of the pivot 1S. The pivot assembly 70 is actually the preferred embodiment and is adapted to be secured to the flange 17A of stile 17 by screws or bolts 19A inserted through apertures 71 and 72. The shaft of pivot 18 is cylindrical while the pivot assembly 70 has a noncircular in cross-section shaft 73 having opposed flat sides 74 and 75.

In place of the roller 18B of pivot 18, the pivot assembly 70 is provided with `a substantially rectangular block 76 adapted to be disposed in the channel 27. The block 76 is preferably formed of a tough resilient plastic material having a low co-efficient of friction such as that known under the tradename nylon. The block 76 has an aperture 77 therethrough conforming in shape to the shaft 73 and adapted to receive the same. A slot 7 8 in a vertical side face of the block 76 extends into the aperture 77 thus enabling the block 76 to be expanded.

The pivot assembly 70 allows the panel 15 to pivot about its axis in the same manner as pivot 18. However, as the shaft 73 rotates with respect to the block 76, the latter expands due to the shape of the shaft 73 and the `aperture 77. This expansion of the block 76 causes the block to bind in the channel 27 thereby preventing further sliding movement of the panel 15 during further rotation of the same.

The pivot 18 is described and shown as being secured t a flange 17B extending laterally from the stile 17. FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative pivot 18 consisting of a `block B `secured to the stile 17 by a pair of Allen headed screws D. The screws may be threaded into the stile and/or a flat strap E ydisposed inside the tubular stile.

In a modified form, the suspension rail R may be disposed of and the panel may be suspended by the pivot 18 (or 70) in cooperation with the inverted channel 27.

The sliding panel may also be provided with conventional locking means of the throw type secured to the bottom rail 21 to prevent swinging or sliding movement of the panel when this is desirable. Various other modiications will undoubtedly occur to those skilled in the art. yFor example, although the panel 15 described and illustra-ted herein is constructed of metal and glass, it will be appreciated that this invention is applicable to a panel of any material.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that although the door assembly shown has a pair of ixed side panels 14, it is possible to eliminate one or both of the fixed side panels. The sliding panels 15 in such case could be adapted to overlap a portion of the wall at each side of the door opening or could be adapted to slide into cavities within the wall; in the latter case the wall would be yso constituted as to allow the slidable panels 15 to open out in a panic situation irrespective of their sliding position, as by using .a collapsible or hinged wall.

In the foregoing described embodiment of the lower sliding pivot, no provision is made for adjusting the relative portions of engageable portions of the pivot respectively secured to the sliding panel and the sill. Ideally, sliding movement should be eliminated in the transition from sliding to pivotal movement so that the door -remains in an upnight position. Adjustment of the relative position of the engaging portions of the pivot affects the amount of pivotal movement required to restrain sliding of the door.

FIG. 16 is one embodiment wherein means is provided to` vary the amount of clearance between a portion of the pivot and a portion of the door which engage during pivotal movement. FIG. 16 is substantially the same as FIG. 6 wherein a channel 52 is formed in the lower rail of the door by spaced downwardly parallel flanges 50 and l51 and a rack `53 ris secured to the flange 50. The cylindrical block which engages the spaced anges 50 and 51, however, is split `so that its effective diameter in one dimension may be varied. A block 57 is shown in FIG. 16 and consists of portions 57a and 57b interconnected |by a pair of studs S rotatably secure-d in the portion 57a Iand threaded into apertures in the body portion 57b. The studs may be prevented from movement with respect to the portion 57a by having a washer W secured to the stem thereof and received in a suitable recess in the body. It is obvious that rotation of the stud effects relative movement -of the body portions 57a and 57b and thereby provides means for expanding or contracting the block. This adjustment effectively compensates for variation in the width between spaced ylianges 50 and 51 and takes care of manufacturing tolerances. The adjustment is substantially lin the direction as illustrated in FIGURE 16 since the least amount of play is required with the door in a sliding position. The door, as in FIG. 6, is illustrated in a position substantially transverse t-o its normal sliding position.

The pinion 5S may also be made adjustable so that the distance of the cordal removed portion 60 from the teeth 54 of the rack may be varied when the door is in its normal sliding position. To effect this adjustment, the pinion 58 is secured to the body portion 57b by an eccentric 57e. The eccentric includes a head 57d, noncircular for engagement by a wrench and extending downwardly from the head is a stem which passes through the pinion. Offset from this portion of the stem and extending downwardly therefrom is a further stern portion 57f which is rotatably mounted in the body portion 57b. It is obvious that rotation of the eccentric effects lateral reciprocation of the pinion. This reciprocation provides means whereby the distance between the removed cordal portion and the teeth `54 may be varied at the site. Access to the head of the eccentric may be gained through an aperture in one of the rlianges 50 or 51.

A further modified adjustable .pivot is illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 21 inclusive. Shown in FIG. 17 is a panel slidable along a horizontal path relative to a fixed panel 200. The panel 100 includes a lower rail 101 and a vertical stile 102 interconnected by a tie rod 102A. The movable panel 100 further includes a glazing panel 103 retained in position by a glazing stop 104. FIG. 17 illustrates only the lower right-hand portion of the movable panel and the part not shown includes a similar vertical stile at the opposite side of stile 102 and an upper top rail generally parallel to the lower rail 101.

The fixed panel 200 includes a vertical stile 201 connected to a horizontal lower rail 202. 'Glazing 203 is secured to the rail and stile by glazing stops 204. The movable panel 100 and the fixed panel 200 may be identical to the respective panels 15 and 14 illustrated in FIGS. y1 and 2. The movable panel 100 also may be lsuspended from an overhead rail by an assembly as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. In FIG. 17 the sliding panel 100 is -provided at the lower right-hand corner with a slide pivot assembly 300 which is adjustable. The slide pivot assembly 300 includes a guide as in the previous cases for guiding the panel during horizontal sliding movement along the path generally parallel to the plane of the xed panel. The slide pivot assembly 300 further includes means selectively to engage the movable panel to restrain sliding movement of the panel during pivotal movement thereof about a vertical axis.

The slide pivot assembly 300 (see FIGS. 18-21) consists `of a rst portion 301 securable to the door sill 55 or rigid floor structure and a second portion 302 securable to the movable panel. The first portion 301 consists of a base plate 303 having a pair of apertures 304 providing means whereby the base may be secured to the rigid immovable structure by a pair of screws. The rst portion 301 further includes a cylindrical body portion 305 secured to the base plate by a pair of screws 306 projecting through apertures in the body into apertures aligned therewith in the base. The first body portion 301 further includes a movable dog assembly 307 mounted upon the upper edge of the cylindrical body so as to oscillate about an axis generally perpendicular to the flat planar surface of the base plate. The movable dog 307 includes a bar portion having oppositely directed lugs 308 and 309 directed outwardly from yopposed ends thereof in a direction perpendicular to a plane passing through the pivotal axis. The movable dog 307 is secured to the cylindrical body by a pin 310 having a stem 311 passing through an aperture in the arm of the dog and a further threaded portion 312 of reduced diameter. l The threaded portion 312 is received in a threaded aperture in the cylindrical body. The pin 310 includes an enlarged head portion and thereby retains the dog in position. The ledge formed at the `junction of the portions 311 and 312 provides an abutment limiting the depth of penetration of the threaded portion 312 into the cylindrical body.

The upper portion of the cylindrical body includes an annular recess 313 adapted to receive a torsion spring 314. Th actual spring includes la first terminal end portion 315 turned downwardly to be received in a recess 316 in the cylindrical body. The opposite end of the spring includes an upwardly turned terminal end portion 317 projecting into a recess 318 in the movable dog. The spring thus being secured at opposed ends in the body and movable dog provides means of urging the dog to a first operative position.

The movable dog and the body portion include respective portions of an abutment means and the spring normally yretains such portions in engagement. In the embodiment illustrated, there is a pin 319 projecting upwardly from the cylindrical body to engage a member 320 secured to the movable dog. The member 320 consists of a stud threaded into an aperture in the movable dog and terminates in a tapered `end portion 321 which engages a side edge surface of the pin 319. The stud 320 is movable and the tapered end portion provides means whereby movement of the stud adjusts the dog by slight movement thereof about the pin 310.

It is obvious that other relatively movable types of engagement surfaces on respective portions of the body and movable dog may be utilized to accomplish the same results. The pin, for example, may project downwardly from the movable dog to engage selectively movable member mounted on the body. It is obvious also that the adjustment may be accomplished in an alternative embodiment by providing a pin which may be bent and remain in such bent position.

The portion 302 of the sliding pivot consists of a pair of racks 321 and 322 secured respectively to flanges 50 and 51 of the door lower rail 21. The racks 321 and 322 are positioned so as to respectively engage the teeth or lugs 308 and 309 of the movable dog. During sliding movement of the door along its normal path, the teeth or lugs of the dog are out of engagement but in near proximity to the teeth of the racks. This close proximity may be adjusted by rotation of the previously described stud 320. The tension in the spring is such as to urge the teeth in a direction towards respective ones of the adjacent racks. At any sliding position of the door, it may be pivoted about a vertical axis 350 passing through the pin 310. During the initial pivotal movement the teeth 308 and 309 engage between adjacent teeth of respective racks 321and 322 thereby to prevent sliding movement of the door during further pivotal movement. It is obvious that by providing means for adjusting the dog, the amount of initial pivotal movement required to engage the rack and dog may be varied. This, desirably, is kept to la minimum so that the vertical axis remains substantially in its intended vertical position. The adjustable sliding pivot provides means to compensate 10 for wear which occurs during use and also provides adjustment individually for each installation. Manufacturing tolerances and the tolerances of installation are such as to require or make it desirable to have such an adjustment.

The sliding pivot as described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 2l may be utilized to replace the slide pivot assembly 52 illustrated in FIG. 5. It is obvious, however, that the pivot illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19 may be used at opposed upper and lower edges in a vertically mounted panel such as a bath tub enclosure, patio sliding door, or the like. A pair of pivots located one at each of the upper and lower edges provides a guide for the door during sliding and also provides a path for pivotal movement, sliding, of course, being prevented during the pivotal movement.

Pivotal movement of the door to an open position acts against the tension of the spring. The strength of the spring, however, is selected so as not to close the door and may thus yremain inany pivotal position. There may, however, be certain instances where it may be desirable to select the tension so as to return the door to its normal sliding position from the pivoted position.

I claim:

1. A mounting for a sliding panel adapted to slide horizontally and pivot about a vertical axis comprising a first bar having first and second pivots at opposed ends thereof, the axis of said pivots being parallel, and said first pivot being pivotally securable to said panel adjacent a vertical edge thereof, a second bar pivotally secured at one end thereof to the second pivot, guide means for said second bar permitting reciprocation thereof along a horizontal axis, and a further pivot having the axis normal to the reciprocation of said second bar and slidably engaging said panel intermediate the vertical edges thereof, said further pivot providing a vertical axis of rotation for said panel irrespective of its sliding position and having means to prevent sliding `of said panel during selected rotation thereof about said vertical axis.

2. In a slidably mounted panel having a top rail and a pair of spaced stilcs disposed substantially normal to said rail, a guide and pivot assembly comprising a first bar pivotally secured at one end thereof to said top rail adjacent one of said stiles, a second bar pivotally secured to said rst bar at the other end thereof, said second bar being mounted to reciprocate along the longitudinal axis thereof and further pivot slidably engaging said door intermediate the vertical edges thereof, said panel rail and first and second bars being substantially coplanar in a panel sliding position and said panel being selectively pivotable about said further pivot irrespective of the sliding position thereof and means associated wtih said further pivot restraining said panel from sliding movement vduring pivotal movement thereof.

.3. A slidably mounted panel as defined in claim 2 wherein said first bar is substantially E-shaped in crosssection, the outer anges thereof respectively intertting channels formed respectively in the top rail and second bar in a panel sliding position.

. 4. A slidably mounted panel as ydefined in claim 2, including means releasably retaining said rst and second bars and top rail in a coplanar door sliding position.

5. A slidably mounted panel as defined in claim 2 wherein said bars are substantially co-extensive with and overlie the top rail of said panel.

6. A slidably mounted panel as defined in claim 2, wherein said second bar is suspended by roller means from an overhead rail.

7. A` slidable panel structure adapted `for pivotal movement about a vertical axis to provide an emergency exit irrespective ofthe sliding position of said panel comprising an opening defined by a horizontally disposed header having a longitudinal groove in the lower surface thereof and a pair of horizontally spaced, vertical jamb lll.

members, a panel, having a top rail, horizontally slidable to open and close said opening, a slide and pivot assembly secured to said top rail, said slide and pivot assembly including a longitudinal groove in a side face of said rail substantially co-extensive therewith, a first bar substantially E-shape in cross section, pivotally secured at one end to said panel adjacent a first vertical edge thereof and disposed to overlie said top rail having a flange thereof defined by the lower leg of the E disposed in nesting relationship within the groove in the side face of said top rail, and a second bar having a longitudinal groove in a side face thereof pivotally secured to the other end of said first bar, a flange of said first bar defined by the upper leg of the E fitting in nested relationship in said last mentioned groove, said second bar having a portion thereof, vertically above the groove in the side face thereof, projecting into the longitudinal groove in the header and thereby being guided to permit sliding movement only and a further pair of pivots disposed respectively at the upper and lower edges of said panel on a vertical axis adjacent a vertical edge thereof 'when said panel is in a closed position, said further pair of pivots each slidably engaging said door and means associated with each of said pivots preventing relative sliding movement between respective ones of said pair of pivots and said panel upon selected rotation of said panel about said vertical axis.

8. A panel structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said second bar is suspended from an overhead rail by roller means.

9. A panel structure as defined in claim 7 wherein one of said pair of pivots includes a segmental gear xed relative to said jamb members and adapted to mesh with a rack secured to said panel upon selected rotation of the latter about said vertical axis thereby providing said means preventing said sliding movement of said panel during pivotal movement thereof.

10. A panel structure as defined in claim 9 wherein the relative position of asid segmental gear and rack in a door sliding position is adjustable.

11. A panel structure as defined in claim 7 including adjustable releasable retaining means maintaining said panel top rail and bars in nested relationship in a panel sliding position.

12. A panel structure as defined in claim 7 including a spherical member secured to one of said bars and resilient biased into seating engagement with an aperture in the other bar thereby releasably retaining said bars in nested panel sliding position.

13. A slidable pivot for a pair of relatively movable members comprising:

(a) an elongated member secured to one of said relatively movable members and having a plurality of aligned projections projecting from one side in spaced relation along a selected length thereof, said elongated member having the longitudinal axis thereof disposed in a direction parallel to a selected path defined by the sliding of one of the relative movable members with respect to the other:

(b) a first member pivotally secured to other of said members for selected oscillation about an axis normal to said path and in the plane thereof, said pivotally mounted first member having a projecting end portion directed toward the projection of said elongated member;

(c) means resiliently urging the said projecting end portion of said first member toward said elongated member;

(d) abutment means provi-ding a stop retaining said pivotally mounted first member in a first operative position wherein the projecting end portion thereof is adjacent but in spaced relation with respect to said elongated member to provide a clearance therebetween during sliding of the member along said selected path; and

(e) abutment adjusting means selectively to vary said clearance consisting -of a stud threaded into the elongated member or the first member and having an end portion engageable with a stop on the other of said members, relative pivotal movement of said first member and elongated member about said axis effecting contact of the projecting end portion of the first member intermediate a pair of adjacent projections on said elongated member thereby preventing relative sliding movement of said members during further pivotal movement in the same direction, said further pivotal movement acting against said resilient means.

14. A slidable pivot as defined in claim |13 wherein said pivotally mounted member is mounted on a cylindrical hub adapted to cooperate with a channel in the slidable member to provide a guide therefor during sliding thereof.

15. A mounting means for a panel permitting sliding movement thereof relative to a fixed structure along a selected path in the plane of said panel and providing pivotal movement of said panel about an axis in said plane irrespective of the relative sliding position of said panel and fixed structure, said mounting means comprising:

(a) a rack secured to said panel and being substantially co-extensive therewith and disposed in a direction parallel to said path, and

(b) a pinion secured to said fixed structure, said pinion having a portion of the teeth thereof removed to provide a selected removed cordal section thereby permitting relative sliding movement of said rack `with respect to said pinion along said path an'd the teeth of said rack and pinion being engageable upon selected rotational movement of said panel about said axis, said pinion being secured to the fixed structure provides a pivot axis for said panel fixed in position relative to the fixed structure.

16. A mounting as defined in claim 15 wherein said panel includes an inverted channel in the lower edge thereof extending in a direction of said selected path and said pinion includes a cylindrical portion with the axis thereof coincident with said axis of pivotal movement, said cylindrical body having a portion thereof projecting into said channel to provide a guide for horizontal movement of said panel.

17. A slidably mounted panel adapted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis to provide an emergency exit through an opening defined by a header and a pair of vertically disposed, horizontally spaced jamb members comprising:

(a) a horizontally moveable panel;

(b) guide means, associated with said panel, for guiding said panel along a selected path during horizontal sliding movement thereof;

(c) panel suspension means, associated with said panel and said guide means, to permit selectively pivoting said panel about said vertical axis;

(d) at least one pivot means slidably engaging said panel intermediate the vertical edges thereof during horizontal sliding thereof and having a vertical pivot axis fixed with respect to said vertical jamb members, said pivot means being engageable with said panel upon selected initial pivotal movement thereof about said vertical axis irrespective of the panels horizontal sliding position and thereby provide a pivot for said panel about an axis fixed with respect to the vertical jamb members during further pivotal movement thereof; and,

(ej means, associated 'with said pivot, to restrain sliding movement of said panel during said further pivotal movement.

'18. A slidably mounted panel as dened in claim 17, wherein said pivot means comprises a non-circular in cross-section shaft tting into a correspondingly shape-d aperture in a resilient block, and a channel fixed to said panel and receiving said block, rotation of the shaft effecting expansion of the block frictionally to engage the channel and thereby prevent sliding movement of said panel during said further pivotal movement.

19. A slidably mounted panel structure as defined in claim 17 wherein said pivot means comprises a segmen tal gear xed with respect to said jamb members and a rack secured to said panel, said pinion engaging said rack upon selected initial pivotal movement of said panel.

20. A slidably mounted panel selectively pivotable about a vertical axis as defined in claim 17 including adjusting means for said pivot means to vary the amount of initial pivotable movement of the panel required to etect engagement of the pivot means and the panel and thereby restrain sliding of said panel during said further pivotal movement.

21. A slidably and pivotally mounted closure comprising a panel member slidable along a selected path, guide means for said panel guiding the same along said selected path, a rack secured to said panel and disposed in a direction parallel to the path of sliding movement thereof and a pinion fixed in position irrespective of the sliding position of the panel, said pinion having teeth thereof removed from a selected peripheral portion to provide a removed cordal section disposed adjacent said rack during sliding movement of said panel along said selected path, the teeth of said rack and pinion engaging upon selected initial pivotal movement of said panel irrespective of the panels horizontal sliding position and meshing during further pivotal movement of the panel to provide a pivot for said panel and to restrain said panel from further sliding movement during such further pivotal movement thereof.

22. A mounting as defined in claim 21 including means selectively to adjust the relative position of said rack and pinion and thereby vary the required amount of initial pivotal movement of said panel to effect engagement of the teeth of said rack and pinion.

23. A panel and means for mounting said panel Whereby the latter is alternately slidable and pivotable respec tively along a selected path and a pivot axis substantially normal thereto, said mounting means comprising a pivot disposed adjacent a pair of opposed edges of said panel in sliding relation 'with respect thereto during sliding of said panel along said selected path, means interconnecting said pivot and panel upon selected initial pivotal movement of said panel to provide a pivot for said panel during further pivotal movement thereof and to restrain said panel from sliding movement during said further pivoting and adjustment means selectively to vary the amount of initial pivotal movement of said panel required to prevent or restrain sliding of said panel during said further pivotal movement thereof.

24. A sliding pivot comprising a rack and dog selectively engageable with and seeurable to, respectively, a panel and a structure rigid with respect thereto, said dog being engageable with said rack upon selected initial pivotal movement of said panel and pivotally movable upon further pivotal movement of said panel, .means to adjust the relative position of the dog and rack to vary the amount of initial pivotal movement required to effect engagement thereof comprising a stud threaded into the body portion of said dog and having a tapered end engageable With a stop on said rigid structure and means for guiding said panel for sliding movement along a selected path.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,612,497 12/1926 Dodge 160-206 1,612,498 12/1926 Smith 160--206 3,136,538 6/1964 Dimmitt et al 49-141 HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner. KENNETH DOWNEY, Examiner. 

1. A MOUNTING FOR A SLIDING PANEL ADAPTED TO SLIDE HORIZONTALLY AND PIVOT ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS COMPRISING A FIRST BAR HAVING FIRST AND SECOND PIVOTS AT OPPOSED ENDS THEREOF, THE AXIS OF SAID PIVOTS BEING PARALLEL, AND SAID FIRST PIVOT BEING PIVOTALLY SECURABLE TO SAID PANEL ADJACENT A VERTICAL EDGE THEREOF, A SECOND BAR PIVOTALLY SECURED AT ONE END THEREOF TO THE SECOND PIVOT, GUIDE MEANS FOR SAID SECOND BAR PERMITTING RECIPROCATION THEREOF ALONG A HORIZONTAL AXIS, AND A FURTHER PIVOT HAVING THE AXIS NORMAL TO THE RECIPROCATION OF SAID SECOND BAR AND SLIDABLY ENGAGING SAID PANEL INTERMEDIATE THE VERTICAL EDGES THEREOF, SAID FURTHER PIVOT PROVIDING A VERTICAL AXIS OF ROTATION FOR SAID PANEL IRRESPECTIVE OF ITS SLIDING POSITION AND HAVING MEANS TO PREVENT SLIDING OF SAID PANEL DURING SELECTED ROTATION THEREOF ABOUT SAID VERTICAL AXIS. 